Rowing Program for Female Cancer Survivors Finds New Home at BSRA Boathouse

Rowing Program for Female Cancer Survivors Finds New Home at BSRA Boathouse

Buffalo, New York – June 21, 2017 – This summer, WeCanRow-Buffalo will move to a new home at the Buffalo Scholastic Rowing Association’s (BSRA) new Patrick Paladino Memorial Boathouse at 405 Ohio Street. WeCanRow-Buffalo is a wellness and rehabilitation program designed for female cancer survivors.

WeCanRow-Buffalo was founded in 2009 by two cancer survivors: Lisa DeMarco, an assistant professor in the Chiropractic Program at D’Youville College, and Lisa Wind, a retired NYS Department of Corrections officer. The organization is a volunteer-directed, not-for-profit educational and support organization.

“The goals of WeCanRow-Buffalo are to promote a healthier lifestyle by building physical strength, endurance, and to empower women who are in different phases of survivorship through participation in sweep rowing. The program will give female cancer survivors a sense of body control, help them rebuild physical strength and spirit towards a renewed self-image while developing a sense of camaraderie,” according to DeMarco

WeCanRow-Boston, founded in 2002, is the original chapter of the National WeCanRow program, which has affiliates across the country. The program was founded by Olympic gold medalist Holly Metcalf.

The Buffalo Scholastic Rowing Association (BSRA), founded in 2010, provides community access to rowing on the Buffalo River. Currently there are high school, adult (masters), and Learn-to-Row programs rowing out of the boathouse on 405 Ohio Street. BSRA is an association where each program operates independently, sharing the facility and working together to advance the sport of rowing.

Work is underway on a new boathouse to be named the Patrick Paladino Memorial Boathouse. Once complete, the five-bay, two-story boathouse will accommodate 75 shells, with additional space for training, locker rooms and boat repair facilities. Phase II, which includes erecting and enclosing the boathouse, is currently underway.

“Our mission is to seek an increase in recreational activity for our community members through rowing, a variety of water sports, and exercise achieved in hiking or walking on the proposed pathways of the Middle Harbor and The Buffalo River. Our site is open to the public,” said Mark Kostrzewski, President of the Buffalo Scholastic Rowing Association.

“We seek an increase in access to Ohio Street and opportunities for environmental stewardship and are dedicated to the upkeep of the land and fresh water at our location and property on Ohio Street.”

Contact

Lisa DeMarco

Phone: 716-829-8207

Email: demarcol@dyc.edu